Koenigsegg CCX

04.02.09 | 3 Comments

The first Koenigsegg CC (which stands for Competition Coupe) model first hit the track in 1996 as a prototype. The CC was fast and sleek. Things have changed a bit for Sweden-based Koenigsegg since then. They’ve become a more world-renowned supercar manufacturer and they’ve even tried their hand at a solar-powered concept vehicle. One thing hasn’t changed, though: their CC cars, the latest being the CCX, are still fast and furious, in every sense of the words.

The CCX has been re-engineered from its predecessor, the CCR. There are two reasons for this: one, new technologies became available that allowed Koenigsegg to make the car even faster; and two, the CCX now complies with U.S. road safety regulations, so the CCX won’t be a Europe-only supercar any longer.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the CCX is the engine. Based off of Ford’s 4.6-liter V8 design, the engine has slightly enlarged to 4.7-liters and has been affixed with two superchargers. Total power: 806 horsepower and 678 lb-ft of torque. These numbers, while certainly impressive, are expected for supercars, but here’s the kicker: the CCX produces that power while running on regular 91 octane gasoline and while completely adhering to the state of California’s emissions standards.

The thing with 91 octane is that it requires incredibly high engine pressure to achieve a complete burn. If the pressure isn’t high enough, not all of the fuel burns and it ends up in the exhaust, thereby damaging the car’s emission rating. High engine pressure results in extra heat, causing the engine’s pistons to expand, and reducing the engine’s maximum RPM, and hence its optimal power. The way Koenigsegg got around this problem was they created a piston cooling system that reduces heat by 80% more than similar systems. This allows the engine to get the maximum burn out of the fuel without overheating, giving the car more power with less emissions.

The engine itself is a feat of modern engineering, and by adding in the high-end braking and suspension components, the CCX’s drive quality is as well. 0-to-60 mph takes a mere 3.2 seconds and a standing quarter mile take 9.9 seconds with an end speed of 146 mph. Top speed of the CCX? Over 240 mph.

One final tidbit that makes the CCX even more of an incredible supercar. There is an alternate version, the CCXR, that can run on both the 91 octane gasoline and high-test E100 ethanol. E100 has more energy potential than 91 octane, and that boost the car’s horsepower to a staggering 1,018.